Ashley Sterken is the founder of Hive Ambition, a community that supports women in business to grow with clarity, confidence, and intention, most importantly, without burning out. 

This is a topic that’s really near and dear to my heart, having mentored women in business, especially women in healthcare business, for nearly 10 years now. Ashley has a background in speech pathology, and her long, bumpy and curvy path has brought her to leading and mentoring other women entrepreneurs. 

And one really cool thing we discussed that I think more women need to feel safe and have permission to say out loud is the true inherent isolation that comes with entrepreneurship and our drive and desire for friends; we talked about how it’s really okay to say, “I need more friends” or “The friends I currently have aren’t working for me anymore.” 

We talk about her unexpected leap to full‑time entrepreneurship and leading Hive Ambition—she knew all along it was coming, but then was pushed unexpectedly by the universe before her picture‑perfect timeline fell into place—and about balancing the masculine and feminine energies in your business and why it’s not a 50‑50 split for most people. 

We talked about why you can’t “spreadsheet your way through” everything and also why you can’t simply dream, manifest, and work on mindset stuff—you need both.

We also highlighted the importance of conveying vulnerability as a leader and mentor, the brave act of listening to your inner voice before you’re in crisis and have no choice but to listen, and Internal Family Systems, something that’s really benefited Ashley as a woman in business and informs my own work with my clients and, of course, with myself!

06:49 – From Speech Pathology to CEO: Ashley’s Journey
Ashley shares her winding path from clinical work to leadership and entrepreneurship—and how Hive Ambition was born 

13:02 – The Power (and Pain) of Community 

How connection heals the inherent isolation women feel in entrepreneurship, and the realities of navigating big transitions and unexpected pivots as a leader in community 

21:52 – When Life Says “Pivot” … and you gotta go whether you’re ready or not

From building a nonprofit after Hurricane Helene to realignment and learning to put it on pause—how Ashley took a brave step back even when what she was building was a good thing

35:51 – Inner Guidance & The Loud Nudge

How and why to recognize your internal cues before a crisis hits, and the magic of checking in with yourself regularly

48:44 – Building with Soul: Strategy Meets Spirituality

Merging masculine structure with feminine flow, redefining success, and reclaiming self-worth in leadership 

01:20:23 – Play, People & Personal Truths

Connect with Ashley and learn more:

Instagram: @hiveambition

Website: https://www.hiveambition.com/

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I interview Dr. Kelsea Cannon, who shares her journey from physical therapy to coaching, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between medicine and spirituality. 

We discuss the significance of emotional and energetic healing, the complexities of navigating the dark parts of personal growth – those “oh snap!” moments when you realize you’ve been carrying shame and guilt that’s been weighing you down.

But the thing we discuss about shame and guilt is not what you might expect – instead of obstacles to be overcome, we discuss how they these often hidden and cast out parts of ourselves are actually  “golden doorways” to full authentic self-expression. 

A true sink AND swim opportunity.

Kelsea beautifully discusses the importance of inward and outward connection and support, both in the physical realm and through your unseen team’s intuitive, spiritual, and personal connections.

We discussed the constant need to be present to receive messages from the universe, the significance of navigating the tension of life's liminal phases, and the lessons learned from past relationships. 

Kelsea is such a beautiful model for how and why to let go of white knuckle gripping control and instead reveal the joy that can be found by trusting the process.

Highlights:

04:01 The personal and professional journey to bridge the gap between physical and spiritual healing

18:32 The “Oh snap” moments: discovering the strength and golden doorways of your hidden and cast out parts in healing

33:31 Navigating Vulnerability Hangovers and Authenticity in Self Expression

42:54 How women don’t heal alone: engaging with both your Seen and Unseen Teams 

55:35 Navigating the tension in relationships and the liminal spaces of life using intuition

Learn more about and follow Kelsea at @kelseacannondpt on instagram and check out her website at www.kelseacannon.com

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In this episode of the Sink and Swim podcast, I share Part 1 of my story about walking away from the physical therapy profession when I was at the absolute peak of my career, and how choosing to sink a thriving career opened doors that never would have been possible had I stayed put. 

In Part 1 I reflect on the challenges and transformations I faced (and sometimes continue to face) when extricating myself from a career and professional identity, the negative impact of healthcare regulations on my ability to provide excellent care, and the not-so-subtle toxic dynamics among female colleagues and impossible pressures placed on on women and working mothers in the profession. 

05:55 Reflections on Leaving Physical Therapy

11:20  The draw to shift into coaching: a ripple effect is created

29:45 The Not-So-Hidden Culture of Competition Among [Female] Colleagues

41:27  The Pressure and Encouragement of Self-Sacrifice in Working Women & Mothers

52:47 Navigating a Loss of Identity and Purpose

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Anyone who’s faced surgery or complex health issues knows the stress, pain, and long recovery. But what happens when you endure 18 surgeries and multiple health challenges over 10 years? When you find yourself crying on the bathroom floor, asking, “Why me?”

Dr. Laura Ricci has faced these trials, diving deep into the emotional and spiritual lessons hidden in her struggles. Trained in healthcare, she once saw the body only as physical—but through chronic pain, body issues, and cancer, she uncovered profound soul-level lessons.

She's gone from "why me" to "why not me?" ... and is a beautiful of example of how she helps others do the same.

Now, she mentors others on their healing journeys, reaching the top of an essential oils company and empowering women through strength training. She also shares the power of self-compassion and forgiveness in her relationships.

So grab your swimsuit, snorkel, and goggles—let’s dive deep with Dr. Laura Ricci.

07:03 The Unexpected Gift of Transforming Pain into Purpose

13:05 Neuroplastic Pain: Sinking Deep to Reveal a Way Out through Deconstruction & Reconstruction

38:32 Reclaiming Space and Power as a Woman in Strength Training

43:28 The Hidden Meaning in a Tube of Lipstick

46:40 From Reluctant to Empowered: Laura's Unexpected Career Journey with Essential Oils

57:06 The Power of Forgiveness, Self-Compassion and Growth in Friendships and Relationships

01:03:43 Embracing Joy and Play in Work and in Life 

Keep up with Laura on Instagram @drlauraricci 

(and don't miss her glorious dance reels with her husband, Mark!)

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If this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend

Looking for more of where this came from?

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Find out more about Julie's coaching programs at her website

This is the first ever interview guest for the Sink and Swim podcast and I am over the moon to interview the woman, the myth, the legend, and Luminaire muse behind this podcast: Parmees Yazdanyar, 

Parmees is not only a branding and messaging mastermind and genius in her company, NeuroBranding Academy, but she also fully walks her talk 

In this episode, she brings so much deep Sink AND Swim perspective to topics such as:

07:22  The Paradox of Authenticity, Giftedness, and Success

12:11    Coming home to yourself as an intellectual, multidimensional, talented and neurospicy woman by finding "your people"

19:41   The dark side and brilliance that comes from fully owning your genius

23:30 Myths and unexpected lessons in becoming a 7 figure business owner before age 30

36:00 The rebellion of choosing integrity and the long game over what's fast and easy

40:34 Redefining Wealth and Success: beyond income & external achievement

46:32 The lost art of craftsmanship in entrepreneurship

51:02 Letting go & trusting amidst long distance relationships & navigating complex immigration processes & trauma

01:12:16 Emerging from Hibernation: New Beginnings

If something tugged at you when you listened in, don't forget to hit that follow button so you can hear more episodes just like this one, sharing this podcast with someone who needs to hear it, and leave us a review!

Follow Parmees on Instagram @parmees__

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Welcome to Sink and Swim, the podcast for high-achieving, deeply intuitive, neurospicy, and multi-passionate individuals ready to break free from the narratives that have kept them playing small.

I'm Dr. Julie Granger, and this space is for those who are done paddling furiously to stay afloat in a world that tells them to either sink or swim—when the real power comes from doing both.

Each week, we’ll dive into powerful conversations—featuring stories of women who’ve embraced their soul’s story, navigated the dark and messy middle, and risen into the life they were meant to live.

If this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend

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Follow Julie on Instagram @drjuliegranger for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week

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Find out more about Julie's coaching programs at her website